Risk Factors including Mechanisms of Disease Flashcards
Smoking
When something is burned and the smoke containing chemicals is inhaled into the lungs to be absorbed into the bloodstream, generally relates to tobacco but other drugs like marijuana can also be smoked.
Alcohol
A depressant drug which means it slows down the central nervous system and impairs messages resulting in a sedative effect, slower reaction time, etc. Alcohol is energy dense therefore high in kilojoules; excess intake therefore places individuals at risk of positive energy balance leading to weight gain.
Binge drinking
Drinking more than 4 standard drinks in one sitting; short term.
Alcoholism or alcohol addiction
A chronic or long term condition; a constant desire to drink. Can also be referred to as alcohol dependence.
BMI
A height to weight ratio, calculated by weight (kg)/ height (m)2. It is a measure that can be used to indicate if a person is underweight, healthy weight, overweight or obese.
High BMI
A BMI of 30 or over is classified as obese.
Soluble Fibre
It has a binding effect that can lead to the increased removal of cholesterol from the body; found in fruits, vegetables, oats and legumes.
Insoluble Fibre
Plays a major role in adding bulk to faeces; found in fresh fruits and vegetables e.g. corn, wholegrains.
Energy dense foods
Foods that contain significant amounts of fat, carbohydrates and/or protein, they contribute large amounts of energy to the diet especially processed foods such as donuts, meat pies, hot chips, soft drink
Nutrient dense foods
Foods that contain a large amount of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals e.g. fruits, vegetables and dairy.
Cholesterol
A waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the body. Cholesterol is used by the body for the production of hormones, vitamin D (from sunlight) and digestive enzymes. Found in foods containing fat e.g. animal fats such as dairy i.e. butter, meat e.g. beef.
Low density lipoprotein (LDL)
Carry cholesterol from the liver to the cells; high LDL levels produce a build up of cholesterol in arteries which can be LETHAL. Found in saturated fats (animals products e.g. dairy, meat, eggs) and trans fats (donuts, meat pies, pre-packaged foods e.g. supermarket cakes)
High density lipoprotein (HDL)
Carry cholesterol from other parts of the body to the liver, which then removes it from the body which means they are HELPFUL. Found in unsaturated fat foods e.g. polyunsaturated fats (fish)
Antioxidants
Compounds found in foods that neutralize free radicals making them less susceptible to becoming cancerous; found in fruits and vegetables.
Dairy
Includes milk, cheese and yoghurt; dairy foods are high in calcium, a mineral responsible for the ossification or hardening of bones and teeth.
Monounsaturated fats
A ‘good or healthy’ fat as reduce LDL cholesterol; food sources include avocado and olive oil.
Polyunsaturated fats
A ‘good or healthy’ fat as reduce LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol; food sources include fish.
Saturated fats
Derived from animal fats e.g. red meat, eggs, butter; saturated fat foods are energy dense and increase LDL cholesterol.
Trans fats
Trans fat foods are highly processed and energy dense e.g. meat pie, supermarket cakes, packet chips; they increase LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL cholesterol.
Salt
A mineral that is made up of sodium and chloride, sodium in high levels can have a negative impact on health by drawing water out of cells and increasing blood volume, increasing blood pressure/causing hypertension. Food sources include table salt, salted nuts, salted chips, tomato sauce, processed meats such as bacon, salami.
Sugar
A form of carbohydrate that the body converts to glucose; food sources include soft drinks, lollies, flavoured milk. High sugar foods are energy dense.
